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Where to Camp in the Olympic National Park
Camping on the Olympic Peninsula is a beautiful way to spend your vacation time. Most campgrounds are densely forested and near Washington’s most pristine lakes, beaches, and trails.
Where to Stay in the Olympic National Park
The Olympic National Park is so large that we recommend taking at least three to seven days to explore it. You can check out our full itinerary here, where you’ll notice the most efficient way to see all the best sights in the park is to change lodging every couple of days. This blog covers where to stay for every budget near each town we’ve recommended visiting.
Mount Baker Road Trip (Sights, Hikes, and Activities)
The Mount Baker Scenic Byway SR 542 starts in Bellingham, Washington, and goes up 5,100 feet of elevation ending at Artist Point. It is one of the most stunning highways in Washington – comparable to driving through Mount Rainier National Park. It’s a fantastic alternative, or addition to, visiting the North Cascades National Park, and is an ideal destination for hikers of all abilities.
How to Hike Safely During Wildfire Season
It’s that time of year again — what has come to be known as wildfire season throughout the last few years. Unfortunately, when wildfires start, how fast they spread, and where they and the smoke blows is unpredictable. When venturing outdoors in this season, we need to be more aware than ever and a bit of preparation and research before going out for a hike can save lives.
Bioluminescent Kayaking in Washington State
Imagine kayaking through a glowing sea of stars. That’s what it’s like to go on a bioluminescent kayaking tour! Each paddle brings more sparkles, and it’s such a magical experience.
Where to Stay When Visiting the Redwood National Park
The Redwood National Park is split into four sections, roughly covering 150 miles across California. We have lodging recommendations for each park and every budget covered, including camping suggestions.
Redwood National Park 1 to 4 Day Itinerary
The Redwood National Park is home to the tallest trees in the world! They date back to prehistoric times, and visiting is such an awe-inspiring experience. Along with seeing trees up to 2,400 years old, you’ll also enjoy 37 miles of wild coastline, rivers, prairies, and wildlife on 139,000 acres.
How to Backpack the Ozette Triangle
We finally backpacked the Ozette Triangle, and it lives up to the hype. It’s short and easy, incredibly beautiful, and has so much to do around camp. Since this trail is a loop, you’ll have the option to trek the whole 9.5 miles or make your hike a shorter out and back — we’ll go into the pros and cons of each below.
Crystal Mountain’s Flying Raven Adventure Course
There is more to explore during the summer months at Crystal Mountain than the gondola. They now have the Flying Raven Adventure Course! The course is set amongst evergreen trees, above a babbling brook and, at first glance, it looks like a setting for a tranquil treehouse. Look closer and you’ll notice suspended log bridges, rickety steps, and obstacles between the trees.
How to Tide Pool in the Pacific Northwest
Tide pooling is an essential part of visiting the coast in the Pacific Northwest. If you can find a good location and visit at low tides, you’ll have hours of free entertainment on your hands. Below is everything you need to know to start tide pooling!
All You Need to Know About the Goldmyer Hot Springs
Goldmyer Hot Springs was everything we hoped for and more. It’s a natural geothermal hot spring cared for by the Northwest Wilderness Programs, a nonprofit organization established in 1976 to protect this area. The hot springs are so idyllic that soaking there felt like a dream. Move this activity to the top of your Pacific Northwest bucket list!
Best Hikes in the Redwoods
Did you know that redwood trees can get to be taller than 30-floor skyscrapers!? That’s more than 320 feet high, with trunks that can grow more than 27 feet wide. Walking through these 2,000-year-old giants is awe-inspiring. Hike early to beat the crowds and get those beautiful sun rays shining through the trees.
Crater Lake National Park — Everything You Need to Know
Crater Lake is a geological marvel. Not only is it the deepest lake in the United States, but it’s also the cleanest and clearest large body of water in the world. The vibrant color and clarity of the water are like nothing you’ll see anywhere else. Visit to learn about the lake’s mysterious natural phenomena and Native American legends about Mount Mazama forming Crater Lake.
While you’re in the area, you’ll also have the chance to see countless waterfalls, beautiful viewpoints, and rivers. Most people rush through the park in one day, but we recommend staying up to four days if you have the time.
DIY Food Tour of Pike Place Market (From Locals)
Pike Place Market has over 200 vendors and countless options for good eats. We love the variety of food the market offers, and that a food tour is something everyone can enjoy. Since the market is indoors, it’s a great activity regardless of the weather.
Silver Falls State Park: Everything You Need to Know
The Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park is the most beautiful trail we’ve hiked in Oregon so far. Visit and you’ll quickly lose count of the waterfalls you’ll see, get to admire lush rainforests, and icy blue rivers. Spend one to two days here to enjoy everything the park, and surrounding towns, have to offer.
Where to Stay in Helsinki for Every Budget
Helsinki is such a fantastic city! It sits on the shore of the Baltic Sea, boasts of a thriving arts scene, is full of public parks, museums, and cathedrals, all served by extremely convenient public transportation.
7 Fears We Had Traveling to Finland in Winter
Traveling to Finland during winter was so far outside our comfort zone. We’re from the Pacific Northwest, where we have moderate weather and a Mediterranean climate — nothing like the snowy, cold weather you’re guaranteed traveling north into the Arctic Circle.
Lapland Winter Packing List
Visiting Lapland is a bucket list trip, but the below-freezing temperatures are intimidating to pack for! In fact, this trip was so far outside our comfort zone that we wrote an entire blog on everything we feared and how we fared. You can rest assured every item on this packing list was combed through, debated, and tested before, and during, our trip.
Guide to Winter in Lapland: 10+ Day Itinerary
Visiting the Finnish Lapland is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. Once you hop off a Santa Claus Express train into a winter wonderland, the holiday season will never feel the same. The landscapes are covered in snowy trees, frozen buildings, and views you won’t find anywhere else. If you can brave the cold temperatures, you’re in for so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
Winthrop Hot Air Balloon Festival
Taking place over the first weekend of March each year, the Winthrop Balloon Roundup makes for the perfect winter weekend getaway. Winthrop is four hours from Seattle, located at the base of the North Cascades National Park on the eastern side of the mountains. It has extremely beautiful scenery, a western theme in town, and tons of activities to fill your time between the ballooning festivities.
